Thursday, February 21, 2008

100th post, 50 comments & 5 star art...

If you're a blog reader, you may remember that a few days ago I posted some little houses (from the MR Heart & Home set) on a vintage ruler. I was so sad when I finished that project, because it was just too much fun. I wanted to do more houses, so I used my trusty knife to remove just one page from Maya Road's House board book. PERFECT! Exactly what I needed.

Here's the supply list...

From MAYA ROAD...The chipboard letters & numberThe tiny stars are from the microchips tinThe crown is from the Motifs tinYou KNOW I used some Ranger vintage photo distress ink.The tiny text paper is 7 gypsies...and the words are from Julie VanOosten's Collections.

I added a wooden block to the back to make it a free standing piece. DONE & FUN!!

TADA!!!!! This is the 100th post! Pretty cool. I see from the comments that you would like a freebie...so...since I have typed my fingers to the bone, ( ha ...kind of dramatic) doing 100 posts...you'll need to type some too.

I've been thinking about how to do this. What would be fun?? I decided that I want your HELP...

Since I want to be THE BEST instructor possible, I'm always open to suggestions and cool ideas. Who better to ask than my blogging friends???

Here's the gameplan...

You need to post a comment & tell me what makes you LOVE an instructor. What did they do that really made the class special for you?? Why do you ALWAYS want to take their classes??

Simple.

And one more thing...pass the word...when we get to 50 posts, we'll draw a random winner. I think we'll give some Maya Road goodies. HMMMM....might even add a piece of that new sheer ribbon...that's NOT available in stores just yet!!

What makes a great instructor? I love instructors who are unpretentious and down-to-earth but always the most important thing is that I learn something NEW, either a technique or try a new product(not paper...ink, tool, paint...you get the idea). Also, classes are well organized and thought out, with good handouts for future reference. I am an instructor too, so I will be following the comments on this one also. I know what I like, but what does everyone else want?

Well for me what makes me love an instructor is patience and not rush too much and clear written instructions so I will be able to do the project at a later date (I tend to forget what I've done in classes because we tend to have more fun then learn so I rely on the instructions :)

1. One thats willing to HELP me if i get stuck with out making me feel like an idiot ... i can scrap and do cards well but in a class i sometimes become all thumbs (anyone else have this happen???)

2. I love it when the instructor is a little chatty and tells a story or 2 gets everyone laughing and breaks the ice

3. I think most importantly i love learning new techniques.. so if i was to take more than one class id probaly love a new technique in each class

(which wouldnt be a problem for Mrs Wendy as she has heaps of these...)

4.. And when i do a class i have 5 kids sometimes i dont want to put my spin on the project ive gone their to not think and to make something. I just really wana enjoy the class and have a laugh ..(can anyone else relate to this???)

5. And a huge glass of wine (hehehe)

Hope all this helps im not fussy Wendy just simple friendliness goes a long way

Let's see...Favorite instructor traits:1. They know their stuff2. When I arrive on time, for something I have paid for, I expect that they have everything setup and ready to go! Not a last minute gig.3. Organized4. Not a snob... Down to earth5. Generous with ideas6. Hands on with students7. In the moment.. not on the phone, not in the hall, not having a drama moment about something personal, but in the class, with us.8. And plays well with others (after class, or at a social).9. Red wine and chocolates are optional! WINK!!! (wish I could be in St. Louis for your classes! My sister lives there!!!!)

Congrats on your 100th post! Count me in on this sweet RAK!What I like about instructors....1. Patience2. Love what they do.3. Excepting ideas.4. Great personality.5. Sense of humor.6. Share ideas and experience.7. Lot to have a great time teaching.Thanks for a chance.cmeyers@hughes.net

Hey, Wendy,Looks like they like WINE! I suggested that once at one of my classes to help them relax, they were soooo uptight...but of course, not shop policy!!! HA! Guess we'll have to settle for chocolate! And we always have that.Your compatriot in crime fighting,Linda

my favorite instructors always:* have innovative ideas* use older product in a new way* let you have leeway with how you work* have chocolate at class ;)* answer questions and help when needed* give choices so every project is not exactly the same

That's a good question - I like an instructor who knows their stuff, knows their product, lets me have some options to choose from, and doesn't tell me "you're doing it wrong" (yes, this happened once). I like to have fun, laugh, and learn something "new" - new technique, new way to use something old, stuff like that!

Love the house! A great instructor-attentive to all, not just to a friend or the store owner; Encouraging but not dictatorial; reassure that class is a time to let it go and learn, not necessarily create the greatest work of art; one who offers constructive suggestions for improvement-how to further make a piece pop; who is willing to openly share a technique, and show how it can be used for more than just one project. Chocolate gets bonus points for the teacher!chris p

So what do I like in an instructor? No idea since I have never taken a class!! But if I had I would say someone who shows a technique then allows you to put your own slant on it so it is not a carbon copy of the instuctor's piece but your own style.

The best instructors:• are organized, so that all supplies and hand-outs are available• maintain a good pace• walk around the class, taking the time to make suggestions or help.• patient with questions• has a sense of humor and shares tips as well as techniques.

The best instructors are smiley, happy, and laid back. I like classes where your not rushed and they let you be a little creative with the class. I don't like it if they just say "cut this, then glue it here, no not like that, like this." I like a bit of freedom. Plus, it's an added bonus when they have great classes!

I love an instructor who encourages you own personal touches to the project. Some-one who is friendly and willing to help anyone who may fall behind. A good class is one that can be completed by all that have attended. It isn't any fun when nobody finishes the project because not enough time was allocated. Thanks for the link Sandie.

One who is down to earth and treats you as an equal even if you don't pick things up as quick as others. Someone who has patience and is not rushing through and takes time to include all the little bits and pieces :o)

I Forgot to leave my comment about what makes a good instructor. I think that someone that is down to earth and will work with people who have little experience as well as those with more experience makes a good instructor. Someone who makes a person feel that even if it's not perfect, it is still worth doing.

1. Organized2. Very detailed, explicit instructions.3. Patient.4. Knows what they are teaching.

I recently took a Cricut class from JoAnn's. I was totally disgusted. The teacher couldn't remember which class she was supposed to teach that night (and she was the director of teaching at that particular store), Cricut or knitting - so she only brought her knitting stuff. She was totally unorganized, I knew more than her and I hardly knew anything.

Remember, the students could choose to do anything... but they have chosen to spend the time with you. Make it fun, share ideas, encourage experimentation with techniques and supplies and most of all be YOU. Success in teaching is a comination of making them comfortable AND teaching some new and fun things! It's a balancing act and I'm sure you're great at it!

I personally enjoy an instructor who not only teaches her craft, but tosses out little tidbits and hints. Someone who is relaxed, talks to each student, gives encouragement, and never critizes. Of course, chocolate works too.....

Congrats on 100 posts!! And you thought you didn't have anything to say....hah!

thanks sandie for sending me here. what a gorgeous little house! well i have only been to one class years ago but if i where to go to one i would want a small class with a patient and understanding instructor (we dont all cotton on quickly)who has enough time for one on one with everyone! i would be looking to have fun and inspiration to try new things.

I love instructors who share their ideas and help along the way....don't just say "create" and let us go...I want to know how to do what you did and then along the way my own creativity comes out and a good teacher likes the differences they inspired....

What I want most is a teacher is good preparation and organization. They should start on time and keep things moving along. I have come to learn something worthwhile, but also to have an enjoyable time out. My favorite teachers are also friendly and make students of all levels feel comfortable.

I just happened upon your blog and I absolutely love it. Your house is amazing. As for what makes a good instructor:1. Organized and prepped ahead of time.2. Having enough basic tools to go around so you don't have to continually wait your turn to use. Example, adhesive, black ink, scissors, etc.3. Teaching something new whether it be a new technique, tool, product or unique project.4. Most of all, having fun. The instructors enthusiasm and good mood are contagious.5. One more thing, chocolate and something to drink, water, punch, soda, etc.Thanks for sharing some blog candy.

That house is just gorgeous Wendy!What I like in an instructor is the ability to cater to everyone at different levels at the same time. You often get beginners and more experienced people in the same class, so it is great when the instructor can juggle both smoothly.New techniques are good too - with clear step by step instructions. Print outs help a lot too, so you can remember what you've learned after you get home!Chocolate is good too. Lots of chocolate! LMAO!

Of course I want to learn something new in a fun way from a Teacher, but a class can be a social event, too. After introducing yourself, maybe you could give a random fact about yourself, or pick a topic and have a person say something about that, then THEY pick a topic for the next person until everyone has "warmed up" a little...this would only work with a smaller group, but it can be very funny!

My favorite instructor is Tim Holtz - and I'm always drawn to his classes because the emphasis isn't on getting a product looking EXACTLY like the sample - it's about playing with the techniques and discovering them for yourself. Also - he has phenominal instructions to follow for the really critical steps to the process. I like classes where the instructor actually teaches something - some design element, some technique - not "slap some stuff together and make a project that looks just like mine" without any of the thought process as to why that particular arrangement works well.

I love instructors who teach what the description says they will teach plus maybe a bit more. Giveaways in class are always a wonderful bonus. On the other side of my first comment, I once took a class that I couldn't wait to get my hands into the techniques. The teacher was so over prepared that she had done most of the work for us. I didn't feel as though I had actually made the projec.

Geez...can't believe I forgot to leave a comment yesterday. I was so busy reading the rest of the comments to improve my teaching skills! Like many others, I like written instructions to go along with the verbal instructions. I tend to work at my own pace so those help. The instructor has to have a sense of humor and show the same attention to all the students. Often times there are repeat students mixed in with new students and it appears that the instructor plays favorites. Thanks for being a great mentor Wendy!

What I like in an instructor is a friendly person. I'm taking your class in St. Louis in March. Can't wait--you can just bring my give-away to St. Louis--no need to draw names--it will save you time. Ha!--:) Penny in Missouri :)

Oooh....so close! How exciting! Here's my instructor tip, from one instructor to another: People love project-based classes, but the bonus is actually TEACHING them something. Sure, everyone loves a finished project, but what really gets them is learning new ways to use products they may already own and learning techniques they can use again and again. You clearly think out of the box, so this shouldn't be a problem for you, just pass those ideas on! Good luck!

My dream instructor would be...Patient (no eye rolling and sighs)OrganizedCheerful Thoughtful but constructiveHave a sense of humorBe neat in appearanceand in all fairness the instructees should be the same.

Prepared - have all the necessary tools & supplies etc to work with.Keep to the subject (more or less) - we all need a little humor, but chatting about personal matters with his/her acquaintances is a no-no.If a template or pattern is required, have printed copy for the participants.NancyS (momsnack)

I like an instructor who has a great sense of humor and doesn't take her/himself so seriously that it brings down the class. The projects needs to be easy enough for a novice and yet tweak the interest of an accomplished stamper. A new card fold with simple stamping would be a good example. Thanks for a chance at the prize.

I do visit your blog almost everyday. Your work is just gorgeous. What I love about an instructor is that they are so helpful when some one doesn't quite understand on how to do it and explain it more for them. But mainly you can tell when the instuctor loves there job for they are so helpful and go above and beyond.Thanks so much for a great blog

Love your house Wendy! Everyone has already said some great things - and I wanted to add that I love an instructor who is willing to learn from their students too. I often pick up some great tips from my students - and of course also from instructors when I'm a student. I think everyone has something to learn off everyone - and instructors can do themselves a great injustice if they think they cannot learn anything from their students. I once picked up the best tip on tying ribbon from one of my students! So simple - and yet so effective.